WO2018198374A1 - Resistance-temperature characteristic calculation method, treatment system, and resistance-temperature characteristic calculation program - Google Patents

Abstract

A treatment system 1 including: an energy applying unit which comprises a first heat resistor 13 having a linear resistance-temperature characteristic and a second heat resistor 17 having a self-regulating temperature characteristic where a first temperature is defined as the maximum temperature, the energy applying unit applying thermal energy generated in the first heat resistor 13 and the second heat resistor 17 to biological tissue; a resistance-temperature characteristic calculation section 332 that calculates a resistance temperature characteristic; and a resistance value measurement section 311 that measures the resistance value of the first heat resistor 13. The resistance-temperature characteristic calculation section 332 includes: a temperature setting section 333 which energizes the second heat resistor 17 and sets the second heat resistor 17 to the first temperature; and a characteristic calculation section 334 that calculates the resistance-temperature characteristic on the basis of the self-regulating temperature characteristic and the resistance value of the first heat resistor 13 to which heat from the second heat resistor 17 which is at the first temperature is transmitted.

Description

Resistance temperature characteristic calculation method, treatment system, and resistance temperature characteristic calculation program

The present invention relates to a resistance temperature characteristic calculation method, a treatment system, and a resistance temperature characteristic calculation program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a treatment system that treats (joins (or anastomoses), incises, etc.) a living tissue by applying thermal energy to the living tissue is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
The treatment system described in Patent Document 1 is a treatment instrument (thermocoagulation forceps) provided with a heating resistor (heater) that generates thermal energy, and energization control of the heating resistor (controlling the heating resistor to a target temperature). And a control device (power supply device). Here, the control device converts the resistance value of the heating resistor into a temperature based on the resistance temperature characteristic, and controls the heating resistor to the target temperature by feedback control while recognizing the temperature. The resistance-temperature characteristic is a characteristic between the resistance value and the temperature of the heating resistor, and is calculated (acquired) in advance in an inspection process or the like when manufacturing the treatment instrument.

JP 2001-190561 A

Incidentally, the resistance temperature characteristic varies depending on the configuration of the heating resistor. That is, even when a plurality of heating resistors are manufactured with the same material and shape, if a manufacturing error occurs, the resistance temperature characteristics of the plurality of heating resistors are different. For this reason, when energization control of the heating resistor described in Patent Document 1 is executed, it is necessary to accurately calculate the resistance temperature characteristic for each individual. As a calculation method of the resistance temperature characteristic, for example, the resistance value of the heating resistor is measured at various temperatures while the heating resistor is placed in a thermostat and the heating resistor is set to various temperatures. Thus, the resistance temperature characteristic is calculated. In addition, for example, by measuring the temperature of the heating resistor using a thermocouple while energizing the heating resistor and measuring the resistance value of the heating resistor at various temperatures, the resistance temperature characteristics can be obtained. calculate.
When the resistance temperature characteristic is calculated as described above, there is a problem that the workload of the operator who calculates the resistance temperature characteristic becomes large, and as a result, the cost reduction of the treatment system is hindered. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a resistance temperature characteristic calculation method, a treatment system, and a resistance temperature characteristic calculation program capable of reducing the cost.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a resistance temperature characteristic calculation method according to the present invention includes a first heating resistor having a linear resistance temperature characteristic, and a self temperature with the first temperature as the maximum temperature. A second heating resistor having a temperature control characteristic, and used in a treatment system that applies thermal energy generated respectively to the first heating resistor and the second heating resistor to a living tissue, A resistance temperature characteristic calculation method for calculating a resistance temperature characteristic, wherein a temperature setting step of energizing the second heating resistor and setting the second heating resistor to the first temperature, and the temperature setting After the step, a first resistance value measuring step for measuring a resistance value of the first heating resistor to which heat from the second heating resistor is transmitted, and a first resistance value measuring step Of the first heating resistor measured Comprising an anti-value, on the basis of the self temperature control characteristics, and a resistance-temperature characteristic calculating step of calculating the resistance-temperature characteristic.

Further, the treatment system according to the present invention includes a first heating resistor having a linear resistance temperature characteristic and a second heating resistor having a self-temperature control characteristic in which the first temperature is a maximum temperature, An energy applying unit that applies thermal energy generated respectively to the first heating resistor and the second heating resistor to a living tissue; a resistance temperature characteristic calculating unit that calculates the resistance temperature characteristic; A resistance value measuring unit that measures a resistance value of the heating resistor, and the resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit energizes the second heating resistor and causes the second heating resistor to pass through the first temperature. Based on the temperature setting unit to be set to 1, the resistance value of the first heating resistor to which the heat from the second heating resistor having reached the first temperature is transmitted, and the self-temperature control characteristic And a characteristic calculation unit for calculating the resistance temperature characteristic.

The resistance temperature characteristic calculation program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-described resistance temperature characteristic calculation method.

According to the resistance temperature characteristic calculation method, treatment system, and resistance temperature characteristic calculation program according to the present invention, there is an effect that the cost can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a treatment system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing a distal end portion of the treatment instrument. FIG. 3 is a view showing a distal end portion of the treatment instrument. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the control device and the foot switch. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing step S2. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing step S5. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the treatment system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing step S2 according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part in description of drawing.

(Embodiment 1)
[Schematic configuration of treatment system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a treatment system 1 according to the first embodiment.
The treatment system 1 treats (joins (or anastomoses), incises, etc.) the living tissue by applying thermal energy to the living tissue to be treated. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the treatment system 1 includes a treatment tool 2, a control device 3, and a foot switch 4.

[Configuration of treatment tool]
The treatment tool 2 is a part corresponding to the energy applying unit according to the present invention, and is, for example, a linear-type surgical treatment tool for performing treatment on a living tissue through the abdominal wall. As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment tool 2 includes a handle 5, a shaft 6, and a grip portion 7.
The handle 5 is a part that the surgeon holds by hand. The handle 5 is provided with an operation knob 51 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft 6 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and one end (right end portion in FIG. 1) is connected to the handle 5. A gripping portion 7 is attached to the other end of the shaft 6 (left end portion in FIG. 1). An opening / closing mechanism (illustrated) is provided inside the shaft 6 for opening and closing the first and second gripping members 8 and 9 (FIG. 1) constituting the gripping portion 7 in accordance with the operation of the operation knob 51 by the operator. Abbreviation) is provided. Further, in the shaft 6, an electric cable C (FIG. 1) connected to the control device 3 is connected to the other end side (in FIG. 1) from one end side (right end side in FIG. 1) via the handle 5. (Up to the left end side).

(Configuration of gripping part)
2 and 3 are views showing the distal end portion of the treatment instrument 2. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the grip portion 7 is cut along a cut surface along a longitudinal direction from the distal end to the base end of the grip portion 7. FIG. 3 is a view in which the grip portion 7 is cut along a cut surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 7.
The gripping part 7 is a part that grips a living tissue and treats the living tissue. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the grip portion 7 includes first and second grip members 8 and 9.
The first and second gripping members 8 and 9 are supported by the other end (left end portion in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the shaft 6 so as to be openable and closable in the direction of the arrow Ar (FIG. 2). The living tissue can be grasped according to the operation.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the first gripping member 8 positioned above is fixed to the shaft 6 and the second gripping member 9 positioned below is pivotally supported by the shaft 6. Not limited to this, both the first and second gripping members 8 and 9 may be supported by the shaft 6. Alternatively, the first gripping member 8 may be pivotally supported on the shaft 6 and the second gripping member 9 may be fixed to the shaft 6.

[Configuration of first gripping member]
The “tip side” described below is the tip side of the gripping part 7 and means the left side in FIGS. Further, the “base end side” described below means the shaft 6 side of the gripping portion 7 and the right side in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the first gripping member 8 includes a first cover member 10 and a first heat generating structure 11.
The first cover member 10 is composed of a long plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 7 (left and right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2). In the first cover member 10, a recess 101 is formed on the lower surface in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The recess 101 is located at the center in the width direction of the first cover member 10 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the first cover member 10. Of the side wall portions constituting the recess 101, the base end side wall portion is omitted. The first cover member 10 is fixed to the shaft 6 while supporting the first heat generating structure 11 while the concave portion 101 faces downward in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The first heat generating structure 11 is attached to the first cover member 10 in a state where a part thereof is accommodated in the recess 101. The first heat generating structure 11 generates heat energy under the control of the control device 3. As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the first heat generating structure 11 includes a first heat transfer member 12 and a first heat generating resistor 13.
The first heat transfer member 12 has a long shape (long length extending in the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 7) made of a high heat conductive ceramic such as aluminum nitride or a high heat conductive metal material such as copper or aluminum. And is attached to the first cover member 10 so as to close the recess 101.
2 and 3, the lower surface of the first heat transfer member 12 is in contact with the living tissue while the living tissue is gripped by the first and second gripping members 8 and 9. The first heat treatment resistor 121 functions as a first treatment surface 121 that transfers heat from the first heating resistor 13 to the living tissue (applies thermal energy to the living tissue).
In the first embodiment, the first treatment surface 121 has a convex shape in which the central region in the width direction protrudes downward with respect to other regions as shown in FIG.

The first heating resistor 13 is a part that generates heat and functions as a sheet heater that heats the first heat transfer member 12 by the heat generation. As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. Is housed in. The first heating resistor 13 has a configuration in which a resistance pattern made of a conductive material such as platinum is formed on a ceramic substrate having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride or alumina. As the resistance pattern, a material having a substantially linear resistance temperature characteristic in a temperature range used for treatment of a living tissue can be used. The first heating resistor 13 is connected via a bonding metal layer (for example, a multilayer film made of titanium, platinum, and gold) provided on the back side of the surface on which the resistance pattern is formed on the substrate. It fixes to the back surface of the 1st treatment surface 121 in the 1st heat-transfer member 12 using the bonding material with high heat conductivity which has AuSn alloy, silver paste, or ceramics, such as an alumina, as a main component. . Further, two first lead wires C1 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) constituting the electric cable C are joined (connected) to both ends (electrode portions) of the resistance pattern. 2 and 4, only one first lead C1 is shown for convenience of explanation. The resistance pattern generates heat when a voltage is applied (energized) through the two first lead wires C <b> 1 under the control of the control device 3.

In order to efficiently transfer the heat generated in the first heat generating resistor 13 to the first heat transfer member 12, the first cover member 10 includes the first heat transfer member 12 and the first heat generating resistor. It is preferable to use a material having a thermal conductivity lower than 13. Further, a heat insulating member made of a resin having low thermal conductivity or the like may be disposed between the first cover member 10 and the first heat generating structure 11.

[Configuration of Second Holding Member]
As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the second gripping member 9 includes a second cover member 14 and a second heat generating structure 15.
The second cover member 14 has the same shape as the first cover member 10. That is, the 2nd cover member 14 has the recessed part 141 similar to the recessed part 101, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. The second cover member 14 supports the second heat generating structure 15 and is pivotally supported on the shaft 6 with the recess 141 facing upward in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 (the posture facing the recess 101). Is done.

The second heat generating structure 15 is attached to the second cover member 14 in a state where a part thereof is accommodated in the recess 141. The second heat generating structure 15 generates heat energy under the control of the control device 3. As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the second heat generating structure 15 includes a second heat transfer member 16 and a second heat generating resistor 17.
The second heat transfer member 16 has a long shape (long length extending in the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 7) made of a high heat conductive ceramic such as aluminum nitride or a high heat conductive metal material such as copper or aluminum. And is attached to the second cover member 14 so as to close the concave portion 141.
2 and 3, the upper surface of the second heat transfer member 16 is in contact with the living tissue while the living tissue is gripped by the first and second gripping members 8 and 9. It functions as a second treatment surface 161 that transfers heat from the second heating resistor 17 to the living tissue (applies thermal energy to the living tissue). The second heat transfer member 16 is in a state where the first and second gripping members 8 and 9 are closed in a state where there is no living tissue between the first and second gripping members 8 and 9. 1 heat transfer member 12 is contacted.
In the first embodiment, the second treatment surface 161 has a flat shape as shown in FIG.

The second heating resistor 17 is a PTC heater using a PTC material such as a semiconductor ceramic mainly composed of barium titanate (BaTiO 3) having a positive temperature coefficient (hereinafter referred to as PTC) characteristic as a heating resistor. It is configured and fixed to the back surface of the second treatment surface 161 of the second heat transfer member 16 using a bonding material mainly composed of ceramic such as alumina, which has high thermal conductivity and is non-conductive. The The second heating resistor 17 is accommodated in the recess 141 as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG.
Specifically, the second heating resistor 17 is provided with a plurality of electrodes on a base material made of a PTC material. In addition, a plurality of second lead wires C2 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) constituting the electric cable C are joined (connected) to the electrodes. 2 and 4, only one second lead C2 is shown for convenience of explanation. The second heating resistor 17 generates heat when a voltage is applied between the electrodes via the second lead C2 under the control of the control device 3 (by energizing the PTC material). Here, the second heating resistor 17 (PTC heater) is driven by applying a constant voltage, and the temperature rises due to heat generation, so that the PTC material becomes the Curie temperature Tc (corresponding to the first temperature according to the present invention). When reaching the value, the resistance value increases rapidly. For this reason, the second heating resistor 17 has a self-temperature control characteristic in which the current value is reduced and the amount of heat generated by the PTC material is suppressed, and as a result, the temperature is controlled in the vicinity of the Curie temperature Tc. As the PTC material, a material having a Curie temperature Tc equal to or higher than the target temperature for heating the living tissue during the treatment by the treatment system 1 is used.

In order to efficiently transmit the heat generated in the second heat generating resistor 17 to the second heat transfer member 16, the second cover member 14 includes the second heat transfer member 16 and the second heat generation resistor. It is preferable to use a material having a thermal conductivity lower than 17. Further, a heat insulating member made of a resin having low thermal conductivity or the like may be disposed between the second cover member 14 and the second heat generating structure 15.

[Configuration of control device and foot switch]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the control device 3 and the foot switch 4.
The foot switch 4 is a part operated by the operator with his / her foot. And according to the said operation to the foot switch 4, the control apparatus 3 starts the treatment of a biological tissue.
Note that the means for starting the treatment of the living tissue is not limited to the foot switch 4 and may be a switch operated by hand.
The control device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of the treatment instrument 2 according to a predetermined control program. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 3 includes first and second heating element driving circuits 31 and 32, a control unit 33, an input unit 34, a display unit 35, and a storage unit 36.

The first heating element driving circuit 31 supplies power to the first heating resistor 13 through the first lead C <b> 1 under the control of the control unit 33. The first heating element drive circuit 31 detects the voltage value and the current value applied to the first heating resistor 13 under the control of the control unit 33, and the resistance of the first heating resistor 13 is detected. A first resistance value measuring unit 311 (FIG. 4) for measuring the value is provided. The first resistance value measuring unit 311 corresponds to the resistance value measuring unit according to the present invention.
The second heating element driving circuit 32 supplies power to the second heating resistor 17 through the second lead wire C <b> 2 under the control of the control unit 33. Further, the second heating element driving circuit 32 detects the voltage value and the current value applied to the second heating resistor 17 under the control of the control unit 33, and the resistance of the second heating resistor 17. A second resistance value measuring unit 321 (FIG. 4) for measuring the value is provided.

The control unit 33 includes a CPU and the like, and operates the first and second heating element drive circuits 31 and 32 according to a control program (including the resistance temperature characteristic calculation program according to the present invention) stored in the storage unit 36. To control. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 33 includes an energization control unit 331 and a resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit 332.
The energization control unit 331 controls the operation of the first and second heating element drive circuits 31 and 32 and executes energization control of the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17.

The resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit 332 calculates the resistance temperature characteristic of the first heating resistor 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit 332 includes a temperature setting unit 333 and a characteristic calculation unit 334.
The temperature setting unit 333 controls the operation of the second heat generating element drive circuit 32, energizes the second heat generating resistor 17, and sets the second heat generating resistor 17 to the Curie temperature Tc.
The characteristic calculation unit 334 controls the operation of the first heating element drive circuit 31 and supplies a minimum output power to the first heating resistor 13 (the voltage value applied to the first heating resistor 13). And the resistance value of the first heating resistor 13 to which the heat from the second heating resistor 17 that has reached the Curie temperature Tc is transferred to the first resistance value measuring unit. 311 is measured. The characteristic calculation unit 334 then determines the first heating resistor based on the resistance value of the first heating resistor 13 and the self-temperature control characteristic (Curie temperature Tc) of the second heating resistor 17. 13 resistance temperature characteristics are calculated.

The input unit 34 includes various input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and various switches, and outputs an input signal corresponding to an operation input to the control unit 33.
The display unit 35 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and displays various screens under the control of the control unit 33.
The storage unit 36 stores a control program (including a resistance temperature calculation program according to the present invention) executed by the control unit 33, data necessary for processing by the control unit 33, and the like. Examples of data necessary for the processing by the control unit 33 include resistance temperature characteristics (gradient SL and intercept IN described later) calculated by the resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit 332, and the like.

[Operation of control device]
Next, the operation of the control device 3 described above will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 3.
First, the control unit 33 constantly monitors whether or not the treatment instrument 2 is connected to the control device 3 via the electric cable C (step S1).
When it is determined that the treatment tool 2 is connected (step S1: Yes), the control unit 33 executes an initialization process as described below (step S2).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing step S2.
Step S2 corresponds to the resistance temperature characteristic calculation method according to the present invention.
First, the control unit 33 acquires the resistance temperature coefficient α and the Curie temperature Tc of the first heating resistor 13 from the treatment instrument 2 via the electric cable C (step S21: resistance temperature coefficient acquisition step).
The resistance temperature coefficient α is a rate of change per unit temperature of the resistance value of the first heating resistor 13 with respect to the Curie temperature Tc. That is, the resistance temperature coefficient α is a value indicating the ratio of how much the resistance value changes due to a temperature change. Here, since the resistance value of the first heating resistor 13 varies depending on the width and thickness of the resistance pattern constituting the first heating resistor 13, the resistance value varies depending on the individual. Is a value determined by the material (platinum, aluminum, SUS, or the like) constituting the resistance pattern of the first heating resistor 13, so that the individual first heating resistors 13 have almost no variation and are considered to be the same. And can be a known value. Further, the Curie temperature Tc is a value determined by the PTC material constituting the second heating resistor 17 and can be regarded as the same with almost no variation among individuals, and is a known value. That is, since the Curie temperature Tc and the resistance temperature coefficient α are values determined by the configurations of the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17, these values are stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) provided in the treatment instrument 2. ) Etc. When the control unit 33 determines that the treatment tool 2 is connected to the control device 3 via the electric cable C, the control unit 33 acquires the resistance temperature coefficient α and the Curie temperature Tc from the nonvolatile memory.

After step S21, the control unit 33 constantly monitors whether or not there has been an operation input of an initialization start instruction to the input unit 34 by the operator (step S22).
Specifically, after step S21, the control unit 33 operates the operation knob 51 to prompt the operator to set the gripping unit 7 in a closed state, and to prompt the operator to start the initialization process. The message is displayed on the display unit 35. Then, the surgeon confirms the message, sets the gripping unit 7 in a closed state, and executes an operation input of an initialization start instruction that instructs the input unit 34 to start the initialization process.
When it is determined that there is an initialization start instruction (step S22: Yes), the temperature setting unit 333 controls the operation of the second heat generating element drive circuit 32 to the second heat generating resistor 17. Is started (step S23).

After step S23, the temperature setting unit 333 constantly monitors whether or not the temperature of the second heating resistor 17 has reached the Curie temperature Tc (step S24).
Here, the determination of whether or not the temperature of the second heating resistor 17 has reached the Curie temperature Tc can be exemplified by the following method.
For example, the temperature setting unit 333 sets the temperature of the second heating resistor 17 to the Curie temperature Tc when a predetermined time has elapsed after starting energization of the second heating resistor 17 (step S23). Judge that it has reached. Further, for example, the temperature setting unit 333 causes the second resistance value measurement unit 321 to measure the current value flowing through the second heating resistor 17 at a constant period, and when the current value becomes a predetermined value or less, It is determined that the temperature of the second heating resistor 17 has reached the Curie temperature Tc. Further, for example, the temperature setting unit 333 causes the first resistance value measurement unit 311 to measure the resistance value or current value of the first heating resistor 13 at a constant period, and the resistance value or current value per unit time. When the change rate of the second heating resistor 17 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the temperature of the second heating resistor 17 has reached the Curie temperature Tc.
Steps S23 and S24 described above correspond to the temperature setting step according to the present invention.

When it is determined that the temperature of the second heating resistor 17 has reached the Curie temperature Tc (step S24: Yes), the characteristic calculation unit 334 controls the operation of the first heating element driving circuit 31; The first resistance value measuring unit 311 is caused to measure the resistance value Rc of the first heating resistor 13 while supplying the minimum output power to the first heating resistor 13 (step S25: first resistance value measurement). Step).
Here, the gripping part 7 is set in a closed state. Therefore, the first and second heat transfer members 12 and 16 are in contact with each other. Moreover, since the 1st, 2nd heat- transfer members 12 and 16 are comprised with the high heat conductive ceramic and metal material, the 1st heat_generation | fever resistor 13 joined to the 1st heat-transfer member 12 is used. Is heated to the Curie temperature Tc. That is, in step S25, the resistance value Rc of the first heating resistor 13 that has reached the Curie temperature Tc is measured.
After step S25, the controller 33 stops energization of the second heating resistor 17 (step S26).

After step S26, the characteristic calculation unit 334 calculates T = SL based on the Curie temperature Tc and the resistance temperature coefficient α acquired in step S21 and the resistance value Rc of the first heating resistor 13 measured in step S25. The slope SL and intercept IN of the resistance temperature characteristic (T: temperature, R: resistance value) represented by × R + IN are calculated by SL = 1 / (α × Rc) and IN = Tc−1 / α, respectively (step S27: Resistance temperature characteristic calculation step). Then, the characteristic calculation unit 334 stores the calculated slope SL and intercept IN in the storage unit 36.
Specifically, the above-described equations for the slope SL and the intercept IN are expressed as follows: a set of the Curie temperature Tc and the resistance value Rc, a temperature (Tc + 1) when the temperature rises by 1 ° C. from the Curie temperature Tc using the resistance temperature coefficient α, and These are equations calculated from T = SL × R + IN using two sets of resistance values (Rc + α × Rc).

After step S2, the control unit 33 performs energy output setting (step S3).
Specifically, in step S3, the control unit 33 causes the display unit 35 to display a screen for setting an output condition of the treatment instrument 2 (for example, a target temperature T_target for heating the living tissue, a heating time, etc.), and the input unit 34 The operator is prompted to input the output condition to the operator. Then, after confirming the screen and performing an operation input of the output condition to the input unit 34, the surgeon holds the treatment tool 2 by hand, and the distal end portion of the treatment tool 2 (the gripping portion 7 and the shaft 6). For example) is inserted into the abdominal cavity through the abdominal wall using a trocar or the like. Further, the operator operates the operation knob 51 and grips the living tissue to be treated by the grip portion 7. Further, the surgeon operates the foot switch 4 to start treatment of the living tissue.

After step S3, the control unit 33 determines whether or not there is an operation (treatment start instruction) on the foot switch 4 (step S4).
When it is determined that there is no operation on the foot switch 4 (step S4: No), the control device 3 returns to step S3.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the foot switch 4 has been operated (step S4: Yes), the energization control unit 331 energizes the first and second heating resistors 13, 17 as shown below. Control (treatment of living tissue) is executed (step S5).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing step S5.
First, the energization control unit 331 controls the operations of the first and second resistance value measuring units 311 and 321 to measure the resistance values R1 and R2 of the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17 (steps). S51). In the first loop of steps S51 to S56, the energization control unit 331 supplies the minimum output power from the first and second heating element drive circuits 31 and 32 to the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17. Of each of the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17 (while making the voltage value and the current value applied to the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17 detectable). The resistance values R1 and R2 are measured by the first and second resistance value measuring units 311 and 321.

After step S51, the energization control unit 331 calculates the temperature T1 of the first heating resistor 13 (step S52).
Specifically, in step S51, the energization control unit 331 reads the slope SL and the intercept IN stored in the storage unit 36 in step S27. Then, the energization control unit 331 substitutes the slope SL, the intercept IN, and the resistance value R1 of the first heating resistor 13 measured in step S51 into the equation of T = SL × R + IN representing the resistance temperature characteristic, The temperature T1 of the first heating resistor 13 is calculated.

After step S52, the energization control unit 331 determines the power P1 to be input to the first heating resistor 13 (step S53).
Specifically, in step S53, the energization control unit 331 determines the power P1 using the equation P1 = k1 × (T_target−T1). Here, k1 is a control gain, and a predetermined value is set. Here, simple proportional control based on the temperature difference between the target temperature T_target set in step S3 and the current temperature T1 of the first heating resistor 13 is used, but PID is used for more stable control. Control may be used.

After step S53, the energization control unit 331 determines the power P2 to be input to the second heating resistor 17 (step S54).
Specifically, in step S54, the energization control unit 331 determines the power P2 using the formula P2 = k2 × P1. Here, k2 is a proportionality constant and is set to a predetermined value. For example, assuming that k2 = 1, the same power P2 as the power P1 supplied to the first heating resistor 13 may be controlled to be supplied to the second heating resistor 17. It can be considered that the area of the living tissue that is in contact with the first and second heat transfer members 12 and 16 when the living tissue is gripped is substantially equal and is subjected to the same thermal load. Therefore, the second heating resistor 17 is connected to the first heating resistor 13 by supplying the second heating resistor 17 with the same power P2 as the power P1 supplied to the first heating resistor 13. It can be controlled to an equivalent temperature.
In addition, the area of the living tissue which contacts the 1st, 2nd heat- transfer members 12 and 16 differs greatly by the difference (for example, width etc.) of the 1st, 2nd heat- transfer members 12 and 16 differs. In this case, the proportionality constant k2 may be a value corresponding to the area ratio.
Further, the proportionality constant k2 may be changed in the middle of processing instead of a constant value. For example, the energy required to raise the temperature of the first heat transfer member 12 by a predetermined temperature ΔT by heating the first heating resistor 13 without holding the tissue is Q1, and the second heating resistor When the energy required to raise the temperature of the second heat transfer member 16 by the predetermined temperature ΔT by heating 17 is Q2, the temperature of the first heating resistor 13 reaches the target temperature T_target from the start of power application. The proportional constant k2 may be set to a value corresponding to the ratio of the energy Q1 and Q2 described above, for example, k2 = Q2 / Q1. By doing in this way, even when the heat capacity of the member heated by the 1st, 2nd heat generating resistors 13 and 17 changes greatly with composition of grasping part 7 of treatment implement 2, the 2nd heat generating resistor 17 is made. It is possible to raise the temperature to the same target temperature T_target at the same temperature rise rate as the first heating resistor 13. In addition, since the area ratio of the living tissue that contacts the first and second heat transfer members 12 and 16 and the ratio of the energy Q1 and Q2 described above are known depending on the configuration of the treatment instrument, these values are obtained in advance. Can be stored in the treatment instrument, and these values can be obtained in step S21.

After step S54, the energization control unit 331 controls the operation of the first and second heating element driving circuits 31 and 32, and supplies the electric power P1 and P2 to the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17, respectively. (Step S55).
Specifically, the energization control unit 331 applies the output voltage V1 of the first heating element drive circuit 31 (applied to the first heating resistor 13 so that electric power P1 is input to the first heating resistor 13. Voltage) is controlled so as to satisfy the following formula (1). In addition, the energization control unit 331 outputs the voltage V2 of the second heating element drive circuit 32 (the voltage applied to the second heating resistor 17 so that the electric power P2 is input to the second heating resistor 17. ) Is controlled to be the following expression (2).

After step S55, the energization control unit 331 determines whether or not the heating time set in step S3 has elapsed since the foot switch 4 was operated (step S4: Yes), or the foot switch 4 was operated (treatment end instruction). ) Is determined (whether or not to end the treatment) (step S56).
When it is determined that the heating time has not elapsed and the foot switch 4 has not been operated (treatment termination instruction) (step S56: No), the energization control unit 331 returns to step S51.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the heating time has elapsed or that the foot switch 4 has been operated (procedure end instruction) (step S56: Yes), the energization control unit 331 ends the treatment of the living tissue.
By repeatedly executing the above steps S51 to S56, the first and second heat transfer members 12 and 16 are heated by the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17 at the target temperature T_target. In addition, the living tissue in contact with the first and second treatment surfaces 121 and 161 is heated at the target temperature T_target and solidifies. Furthermore, the living tissue is pressed by the gripping force of the gripping unit 7 so that the living tissue is incised.

According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.
The resistance-temperature characteristic calculation method (step S2) according to the first embodiment is executed in an initialization process when the treatment instrument 2 is connected to the control device 3 via the electric cable C. In the resistance temperature characteristic calculation method, the first heat generating resistor 13 is heated to the Curie temperature Tc by setting the second heat generating resistor 17 to the Curie temperature Tc, and the first temperature at the Curie temperature Tc is set. The resistance value Rc of the heating resistor 13 is measured. In the resistance temperature characteristic calculation method, the slope of the resistance temperature characteristic of the first heating resistor 13 is based on the Curie temperature Tc, the resistance value Rc, and the resistance temperature coefficient α of the first heating resistor 13. SL and intercept IN are calculated.
For this reason, it is not necessary to calculate the resistance temperature characteristic of the first heating resistor 13 for each individual using a thermostatic bath, a thermocouple, or the like in the inspection process at the time of manufacturing the treatment instrument 2, and the work load on the calculation is reduced. Can be omitted. In addition, the heating of the first heating resistor 13 to the Curie temperature Tc is performed using the second heating resistor 17 that generates thermal energy to be applied to the living tissue. There is no need to add configuration.
Therefore, according to the resistance temperature characteristic calculation method according to the first embodiment, there is an effect that the cost of the treatment system 1 can be reduced.

Further, in the treatment system 1 according to the first embodiment, when the living tissue is treated, the power P2 supplied to the second heating resistor 17 is determined based on the power P1 supplied to the first heating resistor 13. To do.
Therefore, the temperature of the second heating resistor 17 is controlled to the same temperature as that of the first heating resistor 13 without separately providing a temperature sensor or the like for measuring the temperature of the second heating resistor 17. Can do. That is, the second heating resistor 17 can be controlled to an arbitrary target temperature T_target that is equal to or lower than the Curie temperature Tc according to the treatment content.
When the target temperature T_target is equal to the Curie temperature Tc of the second heating resistor 17, the energization control unit 331 sets the voltage value V2 applied to the second heating resistor 17 as a predetermined constant value, The temperature of the second heating resistor 17 may be controlled to the Curie temperature Tc (target temperature T_target) by the self-temperature control characteristic of the second heating resistor 17.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the second embodiment will be described.
In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and steps as those in the above-described first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the treatment system 1A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG.
In the treatment system 1A (control device 3A) according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a temperature sensor 37 is added to the treatment system 1 (control device) described in the first embodiment. ing. In addition, in the treatment system 1A, instead of the control unit 33 (resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit 332 (temperature setting unit 333 and characteristic calculation unit 334), a control unit 33A (resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit) having a changed resistance temperature characteristic calculation function. 332A (temperature setting unit 333 and characteristic calculation unit 334A) is employed.
The temperature sensor 37 measures the environmental temperature (room temperature) at the installation location of the control device 3A under the control of the control unit 33A. Then, the temperature sensor 37 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the measured room temperature to the control unit 33A.
The function of the resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit 332A (characteristic calculation unit 334A) will be described in describing the operation of the control device 3A according to the second embodiment.

The operation of the control device 3A according to the second embodiment is different from the operation of the control device 3 described in the second embodiment only in step S2. For this reason, step S2 according to the second embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing step S2 according to the second embodiment.
In step S2 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, steps S21A and S27A are employed instead of steps S21 and S27, and steps S28 and S29 are added. For this reason, below, step S21A, S27A, S28, S29 is mainly demonstrated.

Step S21A is executed when it is determined that the treatment instrument 2 is connected (step S1: Yes).
Specifically, the control unit 33A acquires only the Curie temperature Tc from the treatment instrument 2 via the electric cable C in step S21A. Thereafter, the control device 3A proceeds to step S22.

Step S28 is executed when it is determined that there is an instruction to start initialization (step S22: Yes).
Specifically, the characteristic calculation unit 334A causes the temperature sensor 37 to measure the room temperature T0 at the installation location of the control device 3A in step S28 (environment temperature measurement step).
After step S28, the characteristic calculation unit 334A controls the operation of the first heat generating element drive circuit 31 and supplies the minimum output power to the first heat generating resistor 13 (to the first heat generating resistor 13). The first resistance value measuring unit 311 is caused to measure the resistance value R0 of the first heating resistor 13 (while making the applied voltage value and current value detectable) (step S29: second resistance value measurement). Step). Thereafter, the control device 3A proceeds to step S23.

Step S27A is executed after step S26.
Specifically, in step S27A (resistance temperature characteristic calculation step), the characteristic calculation unit 334A determines the Curie temperature Tc acquired in step S21A, the room temperature T0 measured in step S28, and the first heating resistance measured in step S29. Based on the resistance value R0 of the body 13 and the resistance value Rc of the first heating resistor 13 measured in step S25, resistance temperature characteristics represented by T = SL × R + IN (T: temperature, R: resistance value) ) Slope SL and intercept IN are calculated by SL = (Tc−T0) / (Rc−R0) and IN = Tc−SL × Rc, respectively. Then, the characteristic calculation unit 334 stores the calculated slope SL and intercept IN in the storage unit 36.
Specifically, the equations for the slope SL and the intercept IN described above are calculated from T = SL × R + IN using two sets of a set of Curie temperature Tc and resistance value Rc and a set of room temperature T0 and resistance value R0, respectively. Is the formula.
Thereafter, the control device 3A proceeds to step S3.

According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above.
In the resistance temperature characteristic calculation method (step S2) according to the second embodiment, the resistance temperature coefficient α described in the first embodiment is not used. That is, it is not necessary to previously store the resistance temperature coefficient α depending on the material of the resistance pattern in the first heating resistor 13 in the nonvolatile memory in the treatment instrument 2, and the resistance temperature coefficient of the individual treatment instrument 2 It is possible to reduce the temperature error due to the variation of α.

(Other embodiments)
The embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described so far, but the present invention should not be limited only by the above-described first and second embodiments.
In the first and second embodiments described above, the first heating resistor 13 is provided on the first gripping member 8 and the second heating resistor 17 is provided on the second gripping member 9. Absent. For example, the first and second heating resistors 13 and 17 may be provided only on one of the first and second gripping members 8 and 9. That is, you may employ | adopt the structure which gives a thermal energy to a biological tissue only from one holding member of the 1st, 2nd holding members 8 and 9. FIG. At this time, the other gripping member may be omitted.

In the first and second embodiments described above, high-frequency energy or ultrasonic energy may be further applied to the living tissue in addition to thermal energy.
In the first and second embodiments described above, the first treatment surface 121 is formed in a convex shape and the second treatment surface 161 is formed in a flat surface, but the first and second treatment surfaces 121 and 161 are formed. The shape of may be other shapes (for example, both the first and second treatment surfaces 121 and 161 are convex).
In the first and second embodiments described above, the shape of the treatment instrument 2 is merely an example, and may have another shape, for example, a forceps shape, or the shaft as long as it has the same function. You may employ | adopt the structure which curved 6th.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the initialization process (step S2) may be performed only once when the treatment instrument 2 is connected to the control devices 3 and 3A via the electric cable C.
For example, in addition to the Curie temperature Tc and the resistance temperature coefficient α, a treatment tool identifier for identifying the treatment tool 2 is stored in the nonvolatile memory in the treatment tool 2. Further, in the initialization process (step S2), the control devices 3 and 3A acquire the treatment instrument identifier from the treatment instrument 2, and use the slope SL and the intercept IN of the resistance temperature characteristic calculated in the initialization process as the treatment instrument. The information is stored in the storage unit 36 in association with the identifier. Then, when the treatment instrument 2 is connected via the electric cable C, the control devices 3 and 3A acquire the treatment instrument identifier from the treatment instrument 2, and the inclination SL associated with the treatment instrument identifier is stored in the storage unit 36. Whether or not the intercept IN is stored is checked, and if it does not exist, the initialization process is executed. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S3 without executing the initialization process.
By configuring as described above, the treatment instrument 2 once connected to the control devices 3 and 3A and subjected to the initialization process is initialized even when it is removed from the control devices 3 and 3A and connected again. There is no need to perform processing, and user convenience can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A Treatment system 2 Treatment tool 3,3A Control apparatus 4 Foot switch 5 Handle 6 Shaft 7 Gripping part 8,9 1st, 2nd grasping member 10 1st cover member 11 1st heat generating structure 12 1st Heat transfer member 13 First heat generating resistor 14 Second cover member 15 Second heat generating structure 16 Second heat transfer member 17 Second heat generating resistor 31, 32 Driving first and second heat generating elements Circuit 33, 33A Control unit 34 Input unit 35 Display unit 36 Storage unit 51 Operation knob 101 Recess 121 First treatment surface 141 Concave 161 Second treatment surface 311, 321 First and second resistance value measurement unit 331 Energization control Unit 332, 332A Resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit 333 Temperature setting unit 334, 334A Characteristic calculation unit Ar Arrow C Electric cable C1, C2 First and second lead wires

Claims (6)

1. A first heating resistor having a linear resistance temperature characteristic; and a second heating resistor having a self-temperature control characteristic having a first temperature as a maximum temperature, the first heating resistor and the first heating resistor. A resistance temperature characteristic calculation method for calculating the resistance temperature characteristic, which is used in a treatment system that applies thermal energy generated in each of two heating resistors to a living tissue,
   A temperature setting step of energizing the second heating resistor and setting the second heating resistor to the first temperature;
   A first resistance value measuring step for measuring a resistance value of the first heat generating resistor to which heat from the second heat generating resistor is transferred after the temperature setting step;
   A resistance temperature characteristic calculating step of calculating the resistance temperature characteristic based on the resistance value of the first heating resistor measured in the first resistance value measuring step and the self temperature control characteristic. Temperature characteristic calculation method.
2. A resistance temperature coefficient obtaining step of obtaining a resistance temperature coefficient at the first temperature of the first heating resistor;
   In the resistance temperature characteristic calculation step,
   T = SL × R + IN where Tc is the first temperature, Rc is the resistance value of the first heating resistor measured in the first resistance value measurement step, and α is the resistance temperature coefficient. The resistance temperature characteristic calculation method according to claim 1, wherein a slope SL and an intercept IN of the resistance temperature characteristic represented by: are calculated by SL = 1 / (α × Rc) and IN = Tc−1 / α, respectively.
3. An environmental temperature measuring step for measuring the environmental temperature;
   A second resistance value measuring step of measuring a resistance value of the first heating resistor at the environmental temperature,
   In the resistance temperature characteristic calculation step,
   The first temperature is Tc, the resistance value of the first heating resistor measured in the first resistance value measuring step is Rc, the environmental temperature is measured in T0, and the second resistance value measuring step. When the resistance value of the first heating resistor is R0, the slope SL and the intercept IN of the resistance temperature characteristic expressed by T = SL × R + IN is SL = (Tc−T0) / (Rc− R0), IN = Tc−SL × Rc, respectively. The resistance-temperature characteristic calculation method according to claim 1.
4. A first heat generating resistor having a linear resistance temperature characteristic; and a second heat generating resistor having a self-temperature control characteristic having a first temperature as a maximum temperature. An energy applying unit that applies thermal energy generated in each of the two heating resistors to the living tissue;
   A resistance temperature characteristic calculation unit for calculating the resistance temperature characteristic;
   A resistance value measuring unit for measuring a resistance value of the first heating resistor,
   The resistance temperature characteristic calculator is
   A temperature setting unit for energizing the second heating resistor and setting the second heating resistor to the first temperature;
   The resistance temperature characteristic is calculated based on the resistance value of the first heating resistor to which the heat from the second heating resistor having reached the first temperature is transmitted and the self-temperature control characteristic. A treatment system comprising a characteristic calculating unit.
5. The energization control of the first heating resistor based on the resistance temperature characteristic calculated by the resistance temperature characteristic calculator and the resistance value of the first heating resistor measured by the resistance value measuring unit. And further including an energization control unit that performs energization control of the second heating resistor,
   The energization control unit
   The treatment system according to claim 4, wherein the power supplied to the second heating resistor is determined based on the power supplied to the first heating resistor.
6. A resistance temperature characteristic calculation program for causing a computer to execute the resistance temperature characteristic calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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